ASPiRE, the television network that celebrates the groundbreaking achievements of African-Americans, announced today a partnership with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) to increase awareness of the value and the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), to expose college students to entrepreneurs and professionals in corporate and private businesses and, to guarantee the future success of African-American students, our communities and our nation. The strategic collaboration is a part of ASPiRE’s initiative to promote excellence in education among African-American students at HBCUs and to provide those students with professional development and support.

“ASPiRE is extremely proud to expand its commitment to improve educational opportunities for African- American youth at HBCUs by partnering with the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Paul Butler, general manager, ASPiRE. “We are honored to further strengthen our focus on education by joining with the Billion Dollar Roundtable to advance education and opportunities for HBCU students. We recognize that HBCUs are an important part of our culture and safeguarding their legacy, along with enhancing educational, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities for the next generation of leaders, is critical to our nation’s future.”

Sharon Patterson, CEO and president of the Billion Dollar Roundtable said, “The opportunity to form a strategic collaboration with ASPiRE and the WHIBCUs provides a valuable chance for the Billion Dollar Roundtable to support the future success of the WHIHBCUs and HBCU students by exposing them to entrepreneurship and fostering business and research opportunities. HBCUs are a national treasure and their students are our future. This alliance will make a significant impact on tomorrow’s leaders and entrepreneurs, help HBCUs thrive and ultimately promote business and economic success in our country.”

“We are excited to partner with ASPiRE to bring a national audience to the extraordinary talent that is being cultivated at HBCUs,” said Ivory A. Toldson, deputy director, WHIHBCUs. “Our partnership with ASPiRE serves as a model for how government and business leaders can collaborate to uplift college students through unique mentioning and networking opportunities, and pave the way for the next generation of leaders.”

ASPiRE will host a Fireside Chat entitled, “Making College Matter,” for the HBCU All-Stars during the HBCU Week Conference as well, where students will engage in an intimate dialogue about the value of higher education and how to position themselves as the next generation of leaders. Participants in the Fireside Chat include: Jamal Simmons, political analyst, CNN, Co-Founder of FLYCLIQUE and interviewer of ASPiRE’s “The Root 100” series; Erin Jackson, comedienne and co-host of ASPiRE’s “exhale;” and Valeisha Butterfield, co-founder & chair, Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network and author of The GirlPrint. Lee Hawkins, news editor and celebrity reporter with The Wall Street Journal, will moderate the discussion.

The 2014 WHIHBCUs’ National HBCU Week Conference scheduled for September 22-23 at the Washington Marriot Wardman Park in Washington, DC, with the theme, “HBCUs: Innovators For Future Success,” will focus on innovative and transformative educational approaches to ensure that access to the American dream is attainable for all.

Beyond the HBCU Week Conference, ASPiRE will continue to support the WHIHBCUs on-air, online and on-the-go via social media by producing and broadcasting a series of custom vignettes showcasing the conference and allowing viewers to experience the historical and educational event under the umbrella of ASPiRE’s pro-social campaign, “ASPiRE to Change the Game;” and, two signature “I ASPiRE” profiles featuring students from the inaugural WHIHBCUs All-Stars class. These profiles will introduce the students as the next generation of groundbreakers and game changers while featuring their personal stories of achievements and aspiration.

The 2014 WHIHBCUs All-Stars consists of 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. The HBCU All- Stars were selected from 445 students from 62 of our nation’s HBCUs.

About the Author

New York Trend is a weekly news publication that focuses on issues and lifestyles of the African & Caribbean American communities throughout the New York metropolitan area and Nassau and Suffolk Counties of Long Island. It is a respected and well recognized news publication that has been in existence since 1989. Owner, Publisher and Executive Director, Dr. Teresa Taylor Williams has been at the helm of this award-winning publication since its inception. New York Trend continues to be the only black woman-owned, metropolitan newspaper in New York and Long island. New York Trend is the largest black-owned newspaper throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.